Pictured: Nathan Gray, Beth Bearder, Alexander Parkes, Edward Sanderson

Whilst continuing difficulties in the economy have forced many law firms to postpone or scrap their training schemes, Derby law firm Flint Bishop LLP has announced the appointment of four new trainee solicitors.

More than 400 graduates applied for the four vacancies and 24 candidates made the final shortlist. 

Edward Sanderson graduated from Warwick University with a 2:1 in politics before completing a Graduate Diploma in Law and his Legal Practice Course (LPC) at York University.

Alexander Parkes graduated from Staffordshire University with a 2:1 in forensic science before completing a Graduate Diploma in Law and his LPC. Beth Bearder also achieved a 2:1 LLB studying at Nottingham Trent University before completing her LPC at Nottingham Law School. 

Nathan Gray graduated from the University of Sheffield with a 2:1 LLB, then went on to complete a Masters in Biotechnological Law and Ethics at the Sheffield Institute of Biotechnological Law and Ethics before graduating from Nottingham Law School with his LPC.

Given the fierce competition between candidates and the high calibre of applicants, Flint Bishop devised a novel way of whittling down the final dozen.

Each candidate was given two pounds and despatched off to the local pound shop in search of two ¬products, one that would represent them and the other that would represent Flint Bishop. They were then required to present the reasons for their choice to the interview panel.

The four graduates will now join Flint Bishop for a two year placement and will work alongside industry experts in a variety of fields. 

Commenting on the firm's decision to maintain its trainee programme, managing partner Ken Dixon said:

"Many law firms are continuing to make cut backs and a considerable number have reduced or even postponed their solicitors' training schemes, which has resulted in an influx in the number of trainees seeking placements. "

"Flint Bishop is committed to providing meaningful training opportunities to graduates and despite the challenging economic climate, we have maintained our trainee progamme at our normal levels.

"It is this commitment that has seen us named one of the top legal employers in the UK in a national survey carried out by global research institute CRF and published in the Daily Telegraph.

"This year's candidates were of an exceptionally high standard and I would like to welcome Edward, Alex, Beth and Nathan to the team," added Ken.

For further information about Flint Bishop, please visit www.flintbishop.co.uk